Middle Eastern Countries Combat Stigma Surrounding Mental Health

January 27, 2021

While the stigmatization of mental health issues is common worldwide, sociocultural factors specific to the Middle East often prevent individuals from seeking treatment.

A drawing depicting mental health issues. Pixabay.

Mental health services are more urgently needed now than ever before. The world is currently facing a mental health epidemic, with over 264 million people struggling with depression in 2019. The additional stress and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have caused anxiety and depression levels to skyrocket. For many individuals, it has become even harder to participate in counseling programs. According to the World Economic Forum, over 93% of countries have reported a disruption in their mental health services since the pandemic started.

In the Middle East, mental health awareness continues to rise, especially in the Gulf countries among the nations’ youth. A recent poll conducted in the Gulf region reported that 62% of youth agree that mental health issues are important. Even so, a recent survey in Saudi Arabia revealed that 80% of people struggling with severe mental health issues do not seek treatment. Similarly, this year’s Arab Youth Survey, which interviewed 4,000 young adults ages 18-24 from 17 Arab countries, revealed that mental health issues are rampant, with the number of people affected continuing to rise.

Difficulties in Obtaining Proper Mental Health Care

The Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest site in Islam. Konevi, Pixabay.

A prevalent culture of stigmatization in Middle Eastern countries prevents many individuals from seeking treatment in the first place. Due to the shame associated with mental health issues, privacy between the client and their mental health professional is of utmost concern. In many cases, mental health issues place a burden on a family’s reputation and social status. Rania Raine, a 43-year-old British-Egyptian art teacher who struggles with mental health, states that, “It’s the ‘shame’ families have, that their child isn’t perfect, that their lives are not perfect and what will people say, what will the neighbors say, society say–and then it all leads to marriage, how no one will marry the child who has a mental health condition, or worse still, ruin the chances of marriage of the other siblings.”

Although the stigmatization of mental health conditions is common in Muslim communities, Ph.D. researcher Mounira al-Dousari states that they are “reflections of cultural practices and discourse.” There is a growing movement among mental health professionals to include faith in therapy, which results in a faster recovery for some clients. It’s also important to note that many forms of therapy use predominantly Western practices, which need to be diversified to appeal to a larger audience. According to Dousari, “When it comes to Islam, Muslim scholars and those working in the mental health field are working harder than ever to establish well-structured Islamically integrated psychotherapy models.”

Additionally, the financial burdens of seeking mental health treatment raise another concern. Even though mental health care is free in some public hospitals, many people do not trust them due to privacy concerns. Prices for private mental health care sessions are quite expensive. For example, Dousari’s research sessions cost $225 an hour, a large sum even for well-off families.

Historic Treatment of Mental Illness in the Middle East

An entrance to the Moristan of Kala’oon, a mental health hospital in Egypt, 1878. Werner. CC2.5

Although mental health remains a prevalent issue in the region, the Middle East was well known for mental health treatment during the Islamic Golden Age. The term bimaristan, Persian for “home for the sick,” refers to entire psychiatric hospitals where a patient’s mind, body and soul were considered part of the treatment process. First opened in Fez, Morocco, and in Baghdad in the eighth century and later in Cairo, Damascus and Aleppo in the ninth, the practice was initially introduced by physician Ahmed ibn Sahl al-Balkhi. A famous manuscript written by Balkhi called “Sustenance for Bodies and Souls” was written in clear, understandable language and helped make mental health education more accessible to the public. Unfortunately, the practice declined throughout the centuries and does not occur in the mainstream today.

Additionally, Dr. Mamoun Mobayed, director of the treatment and rehabilitation department at Behavioral Healthcare Center in Qatar, emphasizes that the stigmatization of diseases is a global phenomenon. “Any disease thought to be infectious or bizarre-looking, like leprosy, has always been stigmatized. Even with COVID-19, there have been cases where paramedics working with COVID-19 patients have been avoided due to the fear and stigma attached to the virus.”

In recent years, mental health awareness in the Middle East has become a top priority, with many countries starting their own wellness initiatives and campaigns.

Qatar Paves the Way in the Gulf

Sidra Medical and Research Center in Qatar. Sergeev. CC3.0

Qatar launched a new mental health program in conjunction with World Mental Health Day. Being the first country in the Gulf to start such an initiative, the Wellness Ambassadors program aims “to promote mental health support and break the stigma attached to mental health conditions at school level.” Program ambassadors received comprehensive training on mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and bullying while breaking cultural misconceptions surrounding mental health. Dr. Mobayed states that educating individuals about mental health issues serves “to remove the barriers associated with mental health and know they are normal humans with a disorder in the mind.”

Turkish Counseling Services Provide Assistance

A crisis helpline in Turkey helps those struggling with mental health issues during the pandemic. Supported by the World Health Organization, the service is accessible in all of Turkey’s 81 provinces and consists of 418 staff members trained in helping individuals manage stress and access mental health resources. So far, the service has offered more than 80,000 consultations since its inception.

Social Media Campaigns in Kuwait Lead to Legislative Action

Youth in Kuwait. Wikimedia Commons. CC2.0

Kuwait enacted its first mental health law in 2019, which passed unanimously through the national assembly. Instrumental to this success were numerous social media campaigns led by youth, artists and mental health advocates. The founder of ASAP Beauty, Sheika Majda al-Sabah, credits her involvement in the campaign to her own struggles with depression. Other campaigns include “Mind Me”, “Human Line Organization” and “Taqabal”, with trending hashtags such as #noshame working to spread awareness. Outreach events helped to create a welcoming climate where people could speak more openly and denounce negative stereotypes surrounding mental illness. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, an online program called Corona Care provides mental health services for those in need. Additionally, the Gulf Program for Mental Health encourages countries to develop comprehensive mental health programs that adhere to international standards.

Although there is still work needed to break down barriers surrounding mental health treatment, Middle Eastern countries seem ready to rise to the challenge.

To Get Involved:

Check out social media campaign pages “Mind Me”, “Human Line Organization” and “Taqabal” working toward mental health awareness in Kuwait. Visit the website of the Institute for Muslim Mental Health, which focuses on providing support for Muslims in the United States. The Journal of Muslim Mental Health is an excellent resource to learn about issues affecting the Muslim community in the United States and globally.

Megan is a Turkish-American student at Wellesley College in Massachusetts studying Biological Sciences. Passionate about environmental issues and learning about other cultures, she dreams of exploring the globe. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, singing, and composing music.

*A patient receiving a vaccine via an injection similar to those used by some of the COVID-19 vaccines. NIAID. CC BY 2.0.*

Developing Countries Get Left Behind as COVID-19 Vaccines Gain Approval

January 20, 2021

As COVID-19 vaccines began to be approved and distributed worldwide at the end of 2020, the consequences of global inequality were starkly revealed. Poorer countries now find themselves uncertain as to when they will be able to administer their first vaccinations.

Wealthy countries secured the bulk of the initial supply of vaccines through preorders placed in mid-2020, with the majority of available vaccines being distributed first to countries in Europe and North America. Of the three major vaccines which have received full approval for use, the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines had promised the majority of their first round of doses to high-income countries, and the Sinopharm vaccine, which was approved for use in China, had all of its initial doses promised to upper middle-income countries.

“We need to show global cooperation, global solidarity”

Richard Kozul-Wright, director of the division on globalization and development strategies at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, expressed concern over unequal vaccine distribution in an interview with The New York Times.

“It’s clear that developing countries, and especially poorer developing countries, are going to be excluded for some time,” Kozul-Wright said. “Despite the understanding that vaccines need to be seen as a global good, the provision remains largely under control of large pharmaceutical companies in the advanced economies.”

A December 2020 report by the People’s Vaccine Alliance found that if virus distribution continues unaltered in its current state, nearly 70 poor countries would only have enough vaccines for one in 10 people by the end of 2021, in comparison with wealthier countries which would have enough doses to vaccinate their populations nearly three times over.

Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director John Nkengasong called this unequal distribution of vaccines a “moral issue” in a December press conference urging the United Nations to call a special session to address vaccine inequities.

“We need to show global cooperation, global solidarity,” Nkengasong said. “The time to translate those powerful words into action is now.”

These initial preorders have left many developing countries scrambling for support as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to break global records on a day-to-day basis. South Africa, a middle-income country with half of its population living in poverty, was deemed “too wealthy” by international organizations in charge of distributing vaccines to developing countries. As a result, experts believe the country, which has reported the most confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the continent, will not administer its first inoculation until mid-2021.

Elsewhere, prospects for a swift vaccine distribution process remain grim. The People’s Vaccine Alliance report also stated that five of the countries which are currently expected to receive enough vaccines for only one in 10 residents by the end of 2021, Kenya, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan and Ukraine, had collectively reported 1.5 million cases when the report was published last month.

The COVID-19 pandemic is not isolated in regard to having a patchwork system of global protection. Polio, which had been eradicated throughout the Western world by the mid-20th century, was only deemed eradicated in its wild form from Africa in August 2020. Tuberculosis, another disease which has been all but eliminated as a threat to life in the West, killed 1.4 million people worldwide in 2019, the majority of cases being reported in developing countries.

In an effort to mitigate the effects that global inequality has on vaccine distribution, a number of public and private organizations have undertaken various vaccine efforts. The ACT-Accelerator Partnership, a collaboration between the World Health Organization and several philanthropic and economic organizations, seeks to facilitate the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. However, as of this article’s publication, the partnership had only received a little over $5.8 billion of its targeted $38 billion to facilitate the effort.

Other countries, like India and South Africa, are trying to circumvent problems with global vaccine distribution efforts by developing their own vaccines. These efforts, though, have largely been stalled by the World Trade Organization due to disputes regarding patent rights for the vaccines.

As of mid-January, only 41 million COVID-19 vaccinations had been administered worldwide, representing .4% of the global population.

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Jacob is a recent graduate from the University of California San Diego where he majored in Political Science and minored in Spanish Language Studies. He previously served as the News Editor for The UCSD Guardian, and hopes to shed light on social justice issues in his work.

A Glimpse at Ethiopia’s Medieval Rock-Hewn Churches

January 20, 2021

A group of 11 churches in Lalibela, Ethiopia, has been known for centuries as the “New Jerusalem.” The churches were carved from the natural rock of the landscape during medieval times and are a popular pilgrimage site for Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.

Rock-hewn church in Lalibela, Ethiopia. Rod Waddington. CC BY-SA 2.0

Lalibela, located in the northern highlands of Ethiopia, is home to 11 monolithic churches, each carved from the rocky landscape. The square and rectangular churches burrow more than 150 feet into the ground. Tall walls of rock rise around the churches on all sides, with their roofs sitting at the height of the natural rock. Worshippers and visitors at the churches access them through narrow, sloping staircases, and series of tunnels and passageways connect the churches to each other and to other religious areas like catacombs. Everything in each church is carved from the same rocky mass, including windows, doors, pillars, stairways and all decorative elements. Ethiopia is home to over 200 rock-hewn churches, but these 11, which make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are some of the best maintained and most impressive examples of this type of architecture.

Facade of one of Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches. Adam Jones, PhD. CC BY-SA 2.0

Lalibela’s churches are intricate, awe-inspiring structures. Situated at the base of Mount Abuna Yosef is a rocky massif, a large, rigid section of the Earth’s crust. Ancient workers carved the 11 churches out of the rock from the top down, first isolating the outline of each structure and then sculpting the inside and the fine, ornamental details of the outer walls. The Lalibela church complex is divided into two sections of five churches separated by the River Jordan, one group on the north side and one on the south, and a lone church farther to the west. The churches date to the medieval era, and scholars agree that they were likely constructed in four or five phases between the seventh and 13th centuries.

Interior of one of the rock-hewn churches. A.Davey. CC BY 2.0

Ethiopian tradition credits King Lalibela, who ruled during the 12th century, with the creation of the churches. In the king's laudatory biography, it is written that angels helped him carve the churches over a period of 24 years. According to tradition, King Lalibela ordered the construction of the churches as a “New Jerusalem.” He is said to have visited Jerusalem just before the city was overtaken by Muslim forces, halting Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land. Ethiopia has been officially Christian since 330 A.D. and claims to be the oldest Christian country in the world, so the story of King Lalibela and the rock-hewn churches fits into the country’s history.

In reality, the earlier structures in the Lalibela complex were most likely constructed for civic rather than religious purposes, serving as royal palaces or fortresses before later being converted into churches. Though not all of the Lalibela churches initially served as churches, the complex became known as a “New Jerusalem” and has been a popular pilgrimage site since the late 12th century. The churches remain a pilgrimage site today, and host daily religious services.

The roof of the Church of St. George. A.Davey. CC BY 2.0

Aside from the large numbers of worshippers that gather each day, Lalibela’s phenomenal churches draw curious visitors. Guided tours of the complex are available, and travelers can also explore on their own. The most popular church among visitors to Lalibela is Bete Giyorgis, the Church of St. George, which forms the shape of a cross when viewed from above. Bete Giyorgis is the church that stands alone, not part of the northern or southern groups, but it can be accessed from the other churches through the system of carved passages. The wonders of Lalibela’s 11 churches contain centuries of Ethiopian history and remain magnificent examples of a very unique architectural feat.

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Rachel is a student at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY currently taking a semester off. She plans to study Writing and Child Development. Rachel loves to travel and is inspired by the places she’s been and everywhere she wants to go. She hopes to educate people on social justice issues and the history and culture of travel destinations through her writing.

10 Nigerian Artists Redefining Africa’s Music Scene

January 20, 2021

From influencing the #EndSARS protests to confronting the commodification of African culture, these artists have unique approaches to their art.

DaVido performing. Wikimedia user Rasheedrasheed. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Nigerian musicians have been spreading their influence all over the world for the past few decades. Following in the footsteps of Fela Kuti, contemporary artists experiment with a plethora of genres, fine-tuning their style as they progress. Renowned artists such as Burna Boy, DaVido and Cruel Santino are the driving forces of the Afrobeats movement, which combines African subgenres, American hip-hop, and R&B. Here are 10 influential Nigerian musicians to listen to.

1. Tony Allen

Tony Allen. Pierre Priot. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Tony Allen is the father of the Afrobeat genre. Allen passed away in April 2020 after releasing his final album, “Rejoice,” in collaboration with the late South African jazz artist, Hugh Masekela. Allen’s polyrhythmic drumming complements Masekela’s trumpet in this riveting jazz album. From his earlier days of performing with Fela Kuti to his more recent collaborations with Skepta and Oumou Sangare, Allen has pioneered the combination of American jazz with African beats. After a career which explored a multitude of scenes in the music world, Allen falls back into his Afrobeat roots in his very last album.

2. Naira Marley

Rapper Naira Marley is a contentious figure in Nigeria. Marley is known as a founder of the genre Afro-bashment, a combination of Caribbean influences, American trap rap, West African beats and British rap. Naira Marley is known for his controversial beliefs and ideas; in “Am I a Yahoo Boy,” he offers an unabashed critique of the Nigerian government, higher education and social conservatism. His single “Koleyewon,” which was released in December 2020, is a fast-paced trap song in Yoruba.

3. DaVido

American-born musician DaVido is a world-renowned Afrobeats artist who synthesizes elements of R&B, rap and Afropop to build up his discography. His heavily auto-tuned vocals and his simple audio production make up his signature sound. DaVido’s most recent album, “A Better Time,” featured Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown and Lil Baby. Despite its famous featured artists, the album’s first track, “FEM,” received the most attention globally. “FEM,” which means “shut up” in Nigerian slang, was labeled the anthem of the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria, which called for the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. Although the artist himself didn’t intend to express a politically charged message, he was nonetheless impassioned by his country’s fight against police brutality.

4. Cruel Santino

Up-and-coming musician Cruel Santino came to the world stage in 2019 with his debut album “Mandy & The Jungle.” Although he is one of the younger artists of the Nigerian music renaissance, Cruel Santino offers an impressive range of styles in his first album. The mellow, laid-back beat of “Sparky” contrasts with the country twang of “Diamonds / Where You Been.” His new single “End of The Wicked” showcases his maturation as a musician and an artist: the solemn piano is redeemed by a syncopated jungle beat, which accompanies his verbose rap.

5. Odunsi (The Engine)

Odunsi (The Engine) is a master of his craft. His discography is all-encompassing: church choirs and spoken word start off his 2018 album “Rare”; an orchestra plays over his verse in his greatest hit “Tipsy”; a vaporwave synth paints “Luv In a Mosh” blue. Odunsi (The Engine)’s album covers visually harmonize with his music. The ethereal blue moon in “Everything You Heard Is True,” which was released in May 2020, mirrors Odunsi’s experimentation with atonal melodies and distortions. On top of this hypnotic album, the musician released two singles in 2020: “Decided” and “Fuji 5000.” Both are dramatically different from each other; the only constant is Odunsi’s effortless flow.

6. Simi

Simi’s distinctly sweet voice is the honey that binds her music together. Less is more in her 2017 album “Simisola,” where her vocals and the acoustic guitar are the only elements that matter. The Nigerian singer started off as a gospel singer in 2008, but transformed her career in 2014 after the success of her singles “Tiff” and “E No Go Funny.” Simi released “Restless II” in 2020, which is a change of pace from her slow crooning. In an interview with OkayAfrica, the singer admits that, “This project is a risk as well, it’s even more of a risk because it’s R&B and Nigeria is not necessarily the biggest R&B market.” As Simi continues to dabble in hip-hop, she comes out with more powerful hits like “No Longer Beneficial” and “There for You.”

7. Niniola

Niniola. Wikimedia user Naijareview. CC BY-SA 4.0.

Often regarded as the “Queen of Afro-House,” Niniola is a global star who fights to find her footing as an empowered Yoruba woman. Niniola rose to fame from her 2017 hit “Maradona,” a seemingly light pop tune which dealt with the traumas of her upbringing. As a girl growing up in a polygamous household, Niniola experienced the double standards of a patriarchal family. Reckoning with her womanhood, Niniola recounts the experiences of a woman who is cheated on by her husband, woes which are usually kept secret. With an album and a couple of huge hits under her belt, Niniola comes back strong with her new album “Colours and Sounds,” which includes a refreshing take on reggae, pop and dancehall.

https://youtu.be/lRpBLAwIbeA

8. Burna Boy

Burna Boy’s album “Twice as Tall” covers a variety of topics, from how the artist grapples with the reality of colonialism to the frenzy of a night out. Burna Boy is a household name in the music industry, and this album attests to the singer’s mastery over songwriting and producing. In his song “Monsters You Made,” Burna Boy addresses Western imperialism and how its consequences are still felt today. His song “Alarm Clock” begins with voice recordings, opera and a saxophone, and quickly switches to an upbeat rap song.

9. Deto Black

.@DetoBlack is the Nigerian musician, writer, and fashion muse with a unique—and proudly feminist—take on style and creativity.https://t.co/TN8qWAu7O6
— Vogue Magazine (@voguemagazine) November 14, 2020

Model and rapper Deto Black refuses to be labeled as an Afrobeats musician. The feminism and sex positivity of her music is obvious and brought to the forefront of her message as an “alté,” or alternative, artist. As a Lagos-based rapper who lived in the U.K. and the U.S. growing up, Deto Black navigates the different worlds by calling for gender equality in Nigeria.

10. Zlatan Ibile

Zlatan is a new Nigerian singer and dancer who found fame through his viral song “Zanku” (Legwork), which was accompanied by a famous dance. Since 2019, the singer has released three albums, started a record label, and released the successful single “Lagos Anthem.” “Lagos Anthem” is an energetic dance song with darker lyrics criticizing the government for its flawed policies.

These Nigerian musicians are beginning to impact American and British pop music. Although each of these individuals comes from a different discipline and background, they all have a commitment to experimenting in their craft. Some thrive in and renovate the Afrobeats movement, while others resist the umbrella term. The common ground between alté musician Deto Black’s tackling of gender inequality and DaVido’s propelling of the #EndSARS revolution is their commitment to the well-being of Nigeria.

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Heather recently earned her B.A. in Literatures in English from University of California, San Diego. She was editor of the Arts and Culture section of The Triton, a student-run newspaper. She plans on working in art criticism, which combines her love of visual art with her passion for journalism.

South Korea Loves Its Mountains

January 20, 2021

Climbing the country’s many mountains is a national pastime. South Korea’s tranquil scenery allows hikers of all skill levels to escape the worries of the modern world.

Two hikers at Seoraksan. Tasmanian.Kris. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

If you go to South Korea, bring hiking gear. Lots of it. More so than in the United States, hiking is a communal exercise and a great to-do. A pair of sneakers and a water bottle won’t cut it when trekking up Seoraksan, a mountain located three hours from Seoul. Hikers, whether amateur or professional, purchase a catalog’s worth of clothing for even a short afternoon hike. In addition to the equipment, bring an appetite. Food, along with a little rice wine, will be served once—at the very least.

Hiking is less of a hobby and more of a national pastime for South Korea. Two-thirds of South Koreans climb a mountain at least once a year, and almost a third go once a month. Companies that make hiking equipment find a lucrative market in the country, since retailers have estimated that the average hiker wears $1,000 worth of gear for each trek. South Korea’s 22 national parks see roughly 45 million visitors a year.

There are many reasons why climbing mountains is such a widely enjoyed pastime. For one, they’re everywhere. Most people live within an hour or two of a hiking trail. Subways and buses provide easy transport, not to mention that multiple hiking groups offer group expeditions. Beginning in 1967, South Korea began setting aside its many mountains as national parks. By the end of the 1980s, over 2,000 square miles had been designated as national parks. This amounts to 6% of South Korea’s landmass.

The sun shines on Dobongsan. Giuseppe Milo. CC BY 2.0.

Mountains figure prominently in national myths as well. Dangun, the mythical founder of Korea, is said to have been born on Mount Paektu, along the border between China and North Korea. The mountain is mentioned in the national anthems of both North and South Korea. Additionally, South Korean culture values “pungsu,” a practice similar to feng shui, that emphasizes harmony with nature. With mountains located so close to big cities like Seoul, they provide a picturesque respite for hard workers.

South Korea’s fall foliage. Brandon HM Oh. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

However, only recently did the mountains attract as many mountaineers as they do now. Park Chung-hee, president in the 1960s and ‘70s, encouraged businesses to lead employees on group hikes as a community-building tool. The residual effects of this policy are still widely felt. A long lunch break often provides enough time for a quick trek. Many trails shoot straight to the peak before climbing down, allowing for brisk and efficient exercise. This may be annoying for many enthusiasts who want to savor the panoramic views the mountains offer.

A hike through Bukhansan. golbenge. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Citizens have plenty of mountains to choose from, such as those in the Taebaek and Sobaek ranges. Seoraksan, South Korea’s third-tallest peak at 5,600 feet, takes only three hours to climb, and fiery fall foliage attracts many to this mountain in particular. However, its beauty is nearly matched by other peaks. For example, Bukhansan gives urbanites in Seoul a chance to unwind in the great outdoors. Located just outside the city, it is affectionately called the “lungs of Seoul.”

The Taebaek Mountains in winter. mariusz kluzniak. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

South Korea’s hiking culture is visible even among those who emigrate. In Southern California, South Korean immigrants often don the same gear for hiking Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles that they would for Seoraksan. Backpacks bulge with Tupperware stuffed with South Korean delicacies for a midday picnic. For these hikers, traveling the trails is more than a hobby. It’s a way of keeping a precious national tradition alive.

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Michael is an undergraduate student at Haverford College, dodging the pandemic by taking a gap year. He writes in a variety of genres, and his time in high school debate renders political writing an inevitable fascination. Writing at Catalyst and the Bi-Co News, a student-run newspaper, provides an outlet for this passion. In the future, he intends to keep writing in mediums both informative and creative.

A Snowy Sanctuary: Norway’s Svalbard Archipelago

January 13, 2021

The Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard prizes itself on both a pristine white landscape as well as an inclusive community. Although photos may present the landscape as motionless, the island chain buzzes with many of nature’s more subtle miracles.

Situated 400 miles north of Norway’s mainland lies an icy archipelago by the name of Svalbard. The island chain stretches almost 25,000 square miles, with the largest island, Spitsbergen, comprising almost two-thirds of that total. The island chain’s unique geography allows it to add the caption “northernmost” to a seemingly limitless number of things, from the northernmost university to the northernmost supermarket and brewery. Classified as a desert due to its dry air and sparse precipitation, the archipelago stands as the ideal habitat for its roughly 3,000 polar bears. The polar bears seem to live peacefully alongside Svalbard’s residents, though they outnumber humans by about 500.

Svalbard polar bears. Airflore. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

The archipelago’s history stretches back to 1194, when it was supposedly first discovered by Vikings. However, it was not until 400 years later in 1596 that the first set of official documentation was drafted by Dutch explorers. Over the next 100 years or so, hunters from across Europe took a stab at the islands; English and Dutch whalers filled the coasts, followed by a sea of French, Danish and Norwegians disputing whaling rights. Russian explorers made their stop in 1715, and American developer John Longyear constructed the archipelago’s first coal mine in 1906. This mine would ignite the coal mining sector of Svalbard, which supported most of the local economy for the remainder of the century.

Mineral-rich sites peppering the islands attracted throngs of American and European businesses alike, but all was settled come 1920. The long-standing question of the archipelago’s rule was decided following World War I in the Svalbard Treaty, which granted Norway sovereignty but required the archipelago’s demilitarization and gave economic freedom to any of the agreement’s nine signatories. Now, 46 countries have signed the Svalbard Treaty, which also makes it Norway’s responsibility to protect the ecological systems of the islands.

Svalbard tundra. Billy Lindblom. CC BY 2.0.

The archipelago’s largest settlement, Longyearbyen, is the primary stop for residents looking to settle down. Being a resident of Svalbard is a peculiar experience; because anyone can settle in Svalbard as long as they are housed and employed, about one-third of the residents are immigrants. This visa-free policy has created an interesting dynamic—a melting pot of diversity against a monochrome snowcapped background. Nonetheless, living in such a particular place invariably comes with its drawbacks; there are no hospitals to give birth in nor cemeteries due to the permafrost. Additionally, as of 2012, all members of the community must carry a gun outside of settlements in case of polar bear confrontations.

Svalbard ice. Christopher.Michel. CC BY 2.0.

Although sporting incredibly low temperatures year-round with an average high of just over 40 degrees Fahrenheit, Svalbard has three main seasons. Each season has distinct qualities, with each showcasing equally fascinating displays of nature’s miracles. The dark season, or “Polar Night,” stretches from October to January and is when the islands are pitch-black for all 24 hours of the day. The northern lights are particularly brilliant during this time. This is followed by “Pastel Winter” from March to May, in which snow conditions are gentler, creating an ideal climate for outdoor activities. Finally, “Polar Summer” covers May through September, in which flocks of migrant birds arrive and the islands bloom with increasing Arctic activity.

Whether your priority is to scale icy snowcaps or to stare down a polar bear, a stop at Svalbard is a surefire path to awe and adventure.

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Ella is an undergraduate student at Vassar College pursuing a degree in Hispanic Studies. She wants to assist in the field of immigration law and hopes to utilize Spanish in her future projects. In her free time she enjoys cooking, writing poetry, and learning about cosmetics.

Nonprofits Reach Syrian Refugee Children Through Education

January 13, 2021

As the Syrian refugee crisis enters its 10th year, children continue to suffer from mass displacement and a lack of educational opportunities.

Syrian primary schoolchildren. DFID. CC2.0

The Syrian refugee crisis is considered by many to be the most urgent humanitarian crisis of the decade. Since 2011, the conflict has displaced 11 million people through the destruction of countless homes, hospitals, schools and public buildings. An equally large number of Syrians require humanitarian assistance, over half of them being children. Many of these young children lack safe spaces to play, face childhood neglect and have witnessed horrific violence in their lives. Numerous children are at risk of developing toxic stress, which is a biological response that impedes growth and development when humans have experienced too much hardship.

However, with hardship also comes hope. Reaching children early and providing educational opportunities have been shown to alleviate toxic stress, allowing children to live productive and happy lives. However, educational resources for Syrian refugee children remain in short supply. Despite its importance in providing children a brighter and more stable future, education efforts only receive 3% of humanitarian aid annually. Additionally, many humanitarian organizations do not provide adequate educational resources for children to increase school enrollment.

Students in Syria start to drop out at the age of 12, when they are in secondary school. A study conducted on Syrian refugee children in Jordan showed that only 25% of students are enrolled in secondary school, citing a lack of safe transportation, limited educational resources available, poverty and limited professional opportunities as contributing factors. Children who drop out of school are at increased risk of experiencing hardship in their lives, including living in poverty, being subjected to child marriage and facing sexual violence. Adequate educational resources and child support are essential to help provide resilience and much-needed support for Syrian refugee children. Some nonprofit organizations are aiming to do just that.

Making a Difference in Syrian Refugee Children’s Lives

Syrian refugee children at a school in Lebanon. DFID. CC2.0

A new educational program developed by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Sesame Workshop aims to provide adequate educational resources for Syrian refugee children. Called Ahlan Simsim, which translates to “Welcome Sesame” in Arabic, the program aims to combine the IRC’s experience working in conflict zones with the TV show “Sesame Street,” which is known for its educational and nurturing effects on children. Program resources include safe spaces for young children to play, an Arabic-language version of ”Sesame Street,” parenting resources for caregivers, and partnerships with nonprofits and local governments to ensure child access to education. In light of COVID-19, educational programming takes place through WhatsApp and online video.

Ahlan Simsim provides children with skills in literacy and numeracy while helping them develop emotional resilience. For example, the program will teach students how to deal with difficult situations, understand their feelings and empathize with others. The program is a winner of the MacArthur Foundation’s 100&Change grant competition and is among the most ambitious early childhood development programs ever attempted by the humanitarian system. According to Sherrie Westin, executive vice president for global impact and philanthropy at Sesame Workshop, “The issue we are addressing is the greatest humanitarian crisis of our time. We know we can make a difference in the long term if we reach children early. Without that, there’s an entire generation at risk, and that has repercussions not just for their future, but for a more peaceful, stable world for all children.”

To Get Involved:

Check out this link to the International Rescue Committee’s webpage to learn more about the Ahlan Simsim initiative.

is a Turkish-American student at Wellesley College in Massachusetts studying Biological Sciences. Passionate about environmental issues and learning about other cultures, she dreams of exploring the globe. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, singing, and composing music.

Consider the Tofu: A (Tasty) History

January 13, 2021

This seemingly tasteless ingredient packs a punch in iconic dishes across Asia.

Fry it, flip it, steam it, dessert-ify it—tofu’s your jack of all trades. Sherman Kwan. Unsplash.

As a relatively tasteless food, tofu is a versatile ingredient that is present in many dishes across Asia. Tofu is centuries old. While the exact date is not known, historians believe that tofu was first used over 2,000 years ago in China. This humble dish made its debut in Japan, Korea, parts of Southeast Asia and eventually in Europe after 19th-century colonialism. In Buddhist societies, the production of tofu increased as it served as a convenient meat alternative. Molded from crushed soybeans, tofu is a flexible food that goes with nearly anything. Given its absorbent nature, tofu often tastes like the spices and flavors it has marinated in. Here are a few popular tofu dishes from across Asia:

Mapo Tofu

This classic dish has roots in China’s Sichuan region. Mapo tofu is made with soft tofu and stir-fried with various chile peppers, black bean paste and ginger. If cooked properly, the sauce itself is a bright-red color laced with thin bubbles of oil. The dish can be topped off with scallions or minced meat if so desired.

Stuff your tofu too; it’s gratifying. Qlinart. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Crispy Shrimp Stuffed Tofu

In this Cantonese dish, tofu is stuffed with minced shrimp and deep-fried to crispiness. The tofu is first sliced and coated in cornstarch, then hollowed out to hold the filling. The dish is often paired with classic ingredients like Shaoxing wine, white pepper and sesame oil. These golden, bite-sized bricks can be garnished with scallions and can be dipped in a slightly sweet soy sauce.

Stinky Tofu

Tofu, when stinky, can also be a delectable treat. This smelly favorite can be found along the streets of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Stinky tofu is made from the fermented brine in which it has soaked for a few months. The mixture is usually made from fermented milk, vegetables or meat, but can also include other ingredients like dried shrimp and mustard greens. When ready, stinky tofu is commonly served deep-fried. Its bitter and salty flavor is best paired with garlic, soy sauce or chile sauce.

Miso Soup

Miso is a fermented paste with origins in Japanese cuisine. This concoction is produced by pickling soybeans with salt and other ingredients such as barley or seaweed. Miso is usually consumed as soup, and one of the main condiments is tofu. The tofu’s porous texture absorbs the umami saltiness of the miso and makes for a hearty, satisfying meal. It can be paired with clean white rice, mushrooms and even eggplants.

An edible lunch packed in a pouch. David Theduy Nguyen. CC BY-NC 2.0.

Inari Sushi

Tofu can even be incorporated into sushi. Inari sushi was first introduced to Japan during the 18th century. It first started off as offering food for fox-god temples scattered about the islands. Over time, Inari sushi became a staple option on kitchen tables. Inari sushi is a simpler style of sushi made with sweetened rice packed in tofu pouches. The tofu skin itself is pre-seasoned and deep-fried. The side can be topped off with sesame seeds and paired with vinegar and soy sauce for a uniquely sweet finish.

Best served piping hot. Republic of Korea. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Sundubu-jjigae

Also written as “soondubu,” this Korean dish is a soft tofu stew made with silken, curdled tofu served in a piping hot pot. Sundubu-jjigae is usually prepared spicy and can be cooked in seafood or meat broth. As the dish is bubbling, a whole egg is cracked into the mix and served almost immediately. Sundubu-jjigae is a popular Korean staple and is usually complemented with a bowl of rice and various “banchan” like kimchi, gamja jorim (sweetened braised potatoes) and salted cucumbers.

Cleanse your palate with a sweet tofu finish. Boyu Wang. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Tofu Pudding

Dau hu nuoc duong. Taho. Douhua. However it’s called, tofu can also be consumed as a dessert. Tofu pudding can be found in countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and China and takes on regional preferences. It is often paired with sweeteners like ginger syrup and brown sugar. Depending on the location, tofu pudding can also be served with peanut and strawberry.

Tofu is timeless. Devi Puspita Amartha Yahya. Unsplash.

The Future of Tofu

While tofu has a stronghold in Asian cuisines, this humble ingredient continues to change and evolve across the world. As consumers look for more sustainable alternatives, tofu stands as a ready-made, centuries-old option. Not only is it healthier, but tofu is also a flexible and equally tasty substitute for meats and other high-cholesterol foods. Despite its unassuming nature, tofu has proven its timelessness.

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Rhiannon earned her B.A. in Urban Studies & Planning from UC San Diego. Her honors thesis was a speculative fiction piece exploring the aspects of surveillance technology, climate change, and the future of urbanized humanity. She is committed to expanding the stories we tell.

Egyptian Activist Brings About a #MeToo Moment

January 7, 2021

Nadeen Ashraf, creator of the Instagram page “Assault Police,” warned fellow women about men accused of sexual assault. Now, she is working to change the society that produces the perpetrators.

Nadeen Ashraf has received more death threats than she can count. Her infamy began with an Instagram page named “Assault Police” and culminated in a nationwide movement. It broaches a taboo subject in Egyptian society: sexual violence. The Instagram page provides women an outlet to express their stories of sexual assault and harassment while giving guidance on how to navigate Egyptian society as a survivor. The threats received by Ashraf demonstrate the opposition that activist women face. It also shows how necessary Egypt’s #MeToo moment is.

Ashraf joins a worldwide cadre of young activists who use social media to promote inclusivity. At 22 years old, she belongs to the first generation that was born and raised with social media. “I’ve been active on social media since I was 9 years old,” Ashraf said in an interview with Egyptian Streets, “and I’ve been an avid follower of internet trends and social media for as long as I can remember.” This gives her an edge in crafting social media campaigns that reach women, old and young, across Egypt. So far, Assault Police has over 200,000 followers.

Ashraf started the account in a rage late one night. A fellow student at the American University in Cairo accused Ahmed Bassam Zaki of sexually harassing and blackmailing women on social media, but within days, the post disappeared. This was one of many instances. “I witnessed women first coming forward about being harassed by him on our university’s unofficial Facebook group around 2018, only to be silenced by having their posts deleted later,” Ashraf says. She soon created Assault Police to warn other women about Zaki. From there, the growth was explosive.

Nobody predicted such widespread success, least of all Ashraf herself. “I initially expected it to get reported and shut down by Instagram within days of its creation,” she says. Such was the fate of most social media posts calling out sexual harassment. Assault Police comes, though, at a time when a new generation of young activists are using social media to advocate for societal change. Being tech savvy is necessary when authorities arrest activists on social media for “indecency” and “debauchery” while sexual predators roam free.

A protest at the University of Cairo. Hossam el-Hamalawy. CC BY-SA 2.0.

Ashraf faces an uphill battle in shifting widely held cultural norms. Though sexual harassment was criminalized in 2014, pervasive misogyny means victims of sexual abuse are rarely taken seriously. Moreover, a climate of stigma and shame deters many victims from accusing their aggressor publicly. Roughly 75% of men—and 84% of women—believe a woman who dresses provocatively deserves to be harassed.

“My generation often takes credit for jump-starting change all over the world,” Ashraf said, “but I kept seeing this gap within my community of young women trying to speak out against sexual harassment, and never being taken seriously.” Assault Police provided one of the only venues where victims could tell their stories and seek help without bringing Egyptian society’s scorn upon them. The groundswell of support converted the fledgling account into a nationwide movement, one that is changing the conversation about sexual violence. Nevertheless, there is much work to be done.

The case of Aya Khamees demonstrates the challenges the movement faces. When Khamess first told the police she had been gang raped, they did nothing. Only after weeks of online campaigning did the authorities arrest five suspects, but the delay allowed at least two suspects to flee the country. In a Kafkaesque turn, authorities charged Khamees herself in the trial on charges of prostitution, drug use and “violating family values.” The trial is yet to be decided, but many women understood the message. Their lives would be easier if they stayed quiet.

Still, the moment represents a #MeToo moment for the country. For the first time, women sharing stories of sexual assault are being taken seriously, and men are beginning to face consequences. After Ashraf repeated accusations against Ahmed Bassam Zaki on the Assault Police page, he was arrested by authorities.

A protest against systemic sexism. Hossam el-Hamalawy. CC BY 2.0.

For the time being, Ashraf continues passionately against this misogynistic system. So far, Assault Police has been run by her alone, but facing down such a mammoth social issue requires more than one committed activist. “I want to expand from an online platform to a full-time organization,” Ashraf said, “that can support survivors in real time by connecting them to professionals, legal aid and therapy.” Assembling such a team is no easy task, but then again, nothing about Assault Police was ever easy. And look at its success so far.

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*Children in a Nepalese village which has committed to ending child labor, a prominent form of modern slavery. The Advocacy Project. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.*

Modern Slavery Remains an Issue to Address in the 21st Century

January 6, 2021

More than 40 million people are victims of modern slavery today, roughly 1 in every 200 hundred people alive today. From sex trafficking to forced labor slavery abounds. Some classify the forced labor in the US for-profit prison system as slavery.

‘Bad Students’: Thai High Schoolers Turned Political Activists

January 6, 2021

What started as a group of students protesting clothing and hair restrictions has turned into a political activism movement thousands strong. Thailand’s “Bad Students” are protesting a military-backed government and calling for reforms to the constitution and monarchy.

Pro-democracy protest in Bangkok, July 2020. Prachatai. CC BY 3.0

On Nov. 21, thousands of pro-democracy activists gathered in downtown Bangkok to protest Thailand’s royalist, military-backed government. Some protesters came dressed as dinosaurs, in large, inflatable T-Rex suits, while others carried balloons shaped like meteors calling for the end of the “dinosaur age,” a reference to the conservative attitudes of government officials. The protesters called for the resignation of the current government, headed by Premier Prayut Chan-o-cha, a former army chief, as well as a new constitution to replace the current one, which was written by the military.

Ahead of the protest, three of its organizers were summoned to a police station for questioning: 16-year-old Benjamaporn Nivas and two boys, also high school students. The three teenagers are some of the leaders of the “Bad Students,” a group of pro-democracy students in Thailand that has joined the broader protests against the government.

At first, the Bad Students were focused solely on education reform; they wanted a complete overhaul of the education system, which they say promotes conformity and blind obedience through rote learning and whitewashed history. In August, hundreds of students gathered outside the education minister’s office, demanding no uniforms, no restrictions on hair length, and a modern curriculum. Since becoming a democracy, Thailand has had 13 successful coups, but textbooks ignore pro-democracy history and instead promote the monarchy. Following the August protest, the Bad Students also insisted that the education minister resign, distributing thousands of copies of a mock resignation letter and later even staging a mock funeral for him.

Shortly after their August protest, the Bad Students realized that they would never achieve the reforms they wanted under the current government. Nivas said they learned that “the education ministry is just one part of a bigger, rotten system from the past that needs to be changed,” and that the voices of the Bad Students would be more useful if they joined the broader pro-democracy movements.

Thailand has been at least a nominal democracy since 1932, when it abolished absolute monarchy in favor of constitutional monarchy. Over the years, Thailand has been mostly ruled by military governments, with its monarch serving as head of state. In addition to condemning Chan-o-cha’s military-backed rule, protesters have criticized the monarchy for spending Thai tax revenue and endorsing the military’s role in politics. Maha Vajiralongkorn, Thailand’s current monarch, is being pressured to remain bound by the constitution, to cut ties with the military-led establishment, to open palace books to the public for scrutiny and to repeal Thailand’s lèse-majesté law, which allows imprisonment for defamation of any member of the royal family.

The government did not give ground to pro-democracy activists after the Nov. 21 protest. Chan-o-cha issued a warning that all laws, including lèse-majesté, would continue to be enforced. With neither the government nor the protesters changing their stance, some experts worry that the situation could descend into violence. Others, however, are hopeful. Chan-o-cha appeared in constitutional court on Dec. 2 for a minor infringement, and some saw this appearance as a way for the government to remove him as premier by legal means, thereby ousting him without giving in to the demands of the protesters. The Bad Students and other pro-democracy groups continue to plan, holding rallies and protests while advocating for change and a greater voice for the people.

To Get Involved:

To take action to support the pro-democracy movements in Thailand, sign the Amnesty International petition to defend peaceful protesters here.

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10 Mouthwatering Sandwiches From Around the World

January 5, 2021

Sandwiches are easy, affordable and most importantly, delicious, making them a common staple in cuisines across the globe. These 10 sandwiches are all tasty and unique, with histories connected to the cultures they come from.

Pork belly banh mi. Jpellgen. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

In many ways, sandwiches are the perfect food: quick to make, relatively inexpensive and always delicious. Sandwiches are versatile, too, made with a multitude of ingredients (meats, cheeses, vegetables, etc.) on different types of bread, so it’s no wonder that they are a common food all over the world. Many sandwiches on this list were originally created in poor conditions, using whatever ingredients were available at the moment, which were often limited due to poverty and even colonial occupation. These sandwiches then reached incredible levels of popularity, some spreading into other countries to become international delicacies.

The sandwiches on this list range from open-faced breakfast dishes to foot-longs that feed four, with a wide variety of breads and fillings in between. Each sandwich reflects the culture of its place of origin through flavorful spice blends, regional ingredients and creation stories that speak to the countries’ unique histories. They are all sure to make your mouth water.

1. Choripan, Argentina

Choripan in Argentina. Jess J. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

One of Argentina’s most popular street foods among both visitors and locals, the choripan is a simple sandwich consisting of a chorizo sausage on a bun. Its name, choripan, is a combination of the Spanish words “chorizo,” referring to the sausage, and “pan,” which means bread. Once the sausage is on the bun it is topped with a range of condiments, the most common being chimichurri, an Argentinian sauce similar to pesto. The sandwich can also be topped with other condiments or even onions and peppers, but chimichurri is what gives a choripan its unique taste. Choripan is a traditional Argentinian food and was historically served as an appetizer at barbecues while waiting for the main course to cook. From there, choripan became a common food at football games and then a street food staple. If you are visiting Argentina, you can pick up a choripan almost anywhere, since they are sold in every populated area. If you want to make your own Argentinian choripan at home, a recipe can be found here.

2. Vada Pav, India

Vada pav. Premshree Pillai. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

More than 2 million vada pav are eaten in India’s largest city of Mumbai every day. The sandwich is a Mumbai fast-food classic; a patty made of mashed potato mixed with masala spices and green chili is dipped in chickpea flour and fried, then placed on a small, soft bread roll called a “pav” and topped with garlic chutney. It is typically served with a side of fried green chiles and is a perfect and inexpensive snack for people on the go. Vada pav was invented in 1966 by Ashok Vaidya, who opened a food stall across from the Dadar train station, which thousands of hungry workers passed through every day. Vada pav was an instant success. In the 1970s and ‘80s, a number of strikes led to the closure of many Mumbai textile mills, and former mill workers began opening their own vada pav stalls. Two of the most popular vada pav stalls today are Aaram Milk Bar and Ashok Vada Pav, which are both located near suburban train stations. Residents and visitors alike can find a vada pav almost anywhere in Mumbai. If you want to make a vada pav at home, a recipe can be found here.

3. Zapiekanka, Poland

Polish zapiekanka. Myslnik. CC BY-SA 4.0

Sometimes called “Polish pizza,” the zapiekanka is an open-faced sandwich, traditionally a toasted half-baguette topped with cheese and mushrooms, then ketchup once the cheese has melted. The zapiekanka varies in each region of Poland; long and thin in Warsaw but wider and shorter in Krakow, for example. Zapiekanka started as a street food in the 1970s but didn’t become widely popular until after 1988, when a change in the law loosened communist restrictions on private businesses. The simple makeup of the zapiekanka reflects the poverty and limited resources available in Poland during its creation. Bread, cheese and mushrooms were ingredients that were both available and inexpensive, meaning zapiekanka sellers could make a profit. Today, the zapiekanka is not just a classic street food; updated versions of the sandwich are found in restaurants across Poland, with a variety of different cheeses and other toppings like spinach, or jam instead of ketchup. People seeking a traditional zapiekanka can still find one, though, at any number of bars, restaurants or street food stalls. A recipe for zapiekanka can be found here.

4. Banh Mi, Vietnam

Classic banh mi. wEnDaLicious. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The banh mi got its start after the end of the French colonization of Vietnam, in the late 1950s. Made from meat, vegetables like cucumber and pickled carrots, and mayonnaise tucked into a baguette with Vietnamese sauces and spices, the banh mi took ingredients introduced by the French and reimagined them to fit Vietnamese cuisine. During the period of French colonization, the Vietnamese ate French foods the same way the French did: a baguette was served with a platter of cold cuts, cheese and butter. Vietnamese people were not able to modify French cuisine until after the French left following their 1954 defeat at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. The initial ingredients of the banh mi were expensive, so mayonnaise replaced butter and vegetables replaced the pricier cold cuts. A couple named Mr. and Mrs. Le are credited with creating the first banh mi when they put the mayonnaise, meat and vegetables inside bread to make the meal portable. The banh mi grew in popularity and is even a hit in other parts of the world. Banh mis are often made with pork, but other types of meat can be used as well. A banh mi can be purchased at street food stalls in Vietnam, as well as storefronts in the United States and Europe, and a recipe to make one at home can be found here.

5. Torta, Mexico

Mexican torta ahogada. Gwyn Fisher. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

A mexican torta has all the rich, varied flavors of a taco between two slices of fluffy, buttered bread. Tortas can have almost anything as a filing but the most common are refried beans, avocado, peppers, meat and cheese. The most popular torta fillings, like chicken, carne asada and carnitas, are prepared similarly to taco meats. Since tortas come with such a wide variety of fillings and flavors, sandwich lovers are certain to find one they enjoy. The traditional torta consists of a fluffy roll stuffed with pork carnitas, then either partially or fully dipped in salsa, depending on the customer’s taste. Tortas dipped in salsa, or tortas ahogadas, are also known as “drowned sandwiches.” There are multiple stories about the history of tortas; some say the sandwiches originated during the brief French occupation of Mexico in the 1860s, when bakers took inspiration from the French baguette and created their own, smaller sandwich loaves, called “bolillo” and “telera.” Others say tortas were created by accident in the early 1900s, when a Guadalajara street vendor accidentally dropped a sandwich into a container of salsa, drowning it, with the customer enjoying it anyway. Today, tortas can have almost any filling and are a popular Mexican street food, easily purchased all over the country. A recipe for a pork carnitas torta with salsa can be found here.

6. Gyro, Greece

Greek gyros. Jonathan & Jill. CC BY-NC 2.0

The gyro sandwich gets its name from the rotating stack of thinly sliced meat, usually lamb, beef, pork or some combination of those, where the meat for the sandwich comes from. Thin slices of meat are cut from the gyro rotisserie and placed in a pita wrap with tomatoes, red onion, lettuce or parsley, Greek yogurt or tzatziki, and sometimes fried potatoes. Today, the gyro meat can also be chicken or fish. Gyro is one of the most popular foods among travelers and Greek citizens alike. Though the gyro is a commonly known Greek food, it didn’t arrive in Greece until 1922, with thousands of Greek and Armenian refugees from present-day Turkey. The rotating gyro was common among Armenians, who know it as “doner kebab,” and according to legend, many Armenian refugees became merchants, opening shops that sold gyros. Following World War II, the gyro spread around the world, and now gyro shops can be found across Europe, the United States and Australia. Gyros are widespread, so if you want to try one, it is highly likely there’s a gyro shop where you live. Also, you can try making one at home (without a rotisserie) by following the recipe here.

7. Mollete, Mexico

Similar to the Polish zapiekanka, the Mexican mollete is an open-faced sandwich, made from half a sliced bun but topped with drastically different ingredients. The mollete has its roots in Andalusia, Spain, where mollete stands for an oval-shaped bread roll drizzled with olive oil, tomatoes and sometimes cured meats. In Mexico, a mollete consists of half a toasted bolillo bun layered with refried beans, cheese and tomato salsa, and it is typically served as a breakfast. Sweet versions of the mollete have developed as well, replacing the beans, cheese and salsa with butter, sugar and honey. Molletes began being sold at chain restaurants in Mexico City and quickly became popular among university students due to their low prices. Molletes are popular in many areas of Mexico and have even spread to parts of the U.S., and a recipe can be found here.

8. Bun Kebab, Pakistan

Bun kebabs being assembled. Dave Cook/Eating In Translation. Used with permission.

Similar to an American hamburger, Pakistan’s bun kebab is a quick and affordable sandwich served on a crispy, fluffy bun. Inside the bun is a lentil and potato patty, usually topped with green chutney, sliced onions and a fried egg. Other toppings and condiments can be added to a bun kebab as well, such as shredded cabbage, tomatoes, ketchup and cucumber slices. Unlike American hamburgers, Pakistani bun kebabs are a light meal, able to be eaten any day. The bun kebab is a street food staple in Pakistan, especially in the city of Karachi, where it originated. Karachi’s favorite street food dates back to 1953, when businesses began to take over Karachi and it became a commercial metropolis. Workers wanted a fast, inexpensive and neat meal to eat over their lunch breaks, so Haji Abdul Razzak created one: the bun kebab. Another story about the creation of the bun kebab credits the Pakistani burger restaurant Mr. Burger, one of the first local fast-food restaurants. This story says that the bun kebab was created as a more affordable version of a burger and sold at Mr. Burger. The bun kebab stand started by Haji Abdul Razzak is still around and has been serving the people of Karachi bun kebabs for over 60 years. Whatever its origins, the bun kebab remains a delicious and inexpensive meal for people on the go. A recipe to make a bun kebab at home can be found here.

9. Gatsby, South Africa

Cape Town Gatsby. Christoph Scholz. CC BY-SA 2.0

In Cape Town, South Africa, a popular local dish is the Gatsby, a foot-long sub sandwich filled with meat or seafood (usually bologna, chicken, calamari or steak), french fries, cheese, fried eggs and lettuce, all slathered in either tomato sauce or piri piri, a spicy sauce made from chiles. Gatsbys are gigantic and packed with flavor, and are intended to be shared, usually cut into four pieces. The man widely credited with creating the Gatsby is Rashaad Pandy, who still owns a fish and chip shop in Cape Town. In 1976, four men were helping Pandy clear a plot in the Cape Town suburb of Lansdowne after his family was forced to move due to South Africa’s apartheid regime of racial segregation. Pandy owned a shop in a nearby neighborhood, and he had promised the four men food, so they went back to his shop and he took stock of his ingredients: bologna, french fries, round bread loaves and homemade pickles. From these ingredients, he made the four men sandwiches, which they devoured. One of the men told Pandy that the new food was “a Gatsby smash,” giving the sandwich its name. The next day, Pandy began selling Gatsbys in his shop, and his customers suggested he substitute a long bread roll for a round one to make it easier to eat. His customers also suggested things Pandy could add to the sandwich, and piece by piece the present-day Gatsby came to be. Pandy’s shop, Super Fisheries, still sells Gatsbys, though he only carries fish variations, not chicken or steak. Click here for an original bologna Gatsby recipe.

10. Roti John, Singapore

Roti john. Choo Yut Shing. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

A dish unique to the Malay Peninsula, the roti john is sometimes called Singapore’s version of a hamburger. The sandwich actually has little in common with a hamburger; it consists of minced mutton, onions and egg, all fried and served in a toasted roll similar to a French baguette. More recently, melted cheese and mushrooms have been added to the sandwich, and versions using chicken, beef and sardines rather than mutton have become popular. The roti john is likely known as “Singapore’s hamburger” because of how it was created. Sometime in the 1960s, an Englishman asked a shop owner in Singapore for a hamburger. Having no hamburgers available, the shop owner quickly whipped up the roti john as a substitute. The name roti john is attributed to the same shop owner, who was overheard calling the customer “John,” a formerly common way to address Caucasians on the Malay Peninsula. The word “roti” is the Hindi term for bread, also used in the region. Literally, the name of the sandwich means “John’s bread.” Though it was created in the ‘60s, the roti john didn’t become widely popular until 1976, when a man named Shukor began selling the sandwich from his food stall near the Singapore Botanic Gardens. The roti john spread across the peninsula, and it remains a popular meal today. A roti john recipe can be found here.

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The Glaring Sexism of the Sudanese Revolution

January 5, 2021

Although the Sudanese revolution was a success, the women of Sudan continue to fight against the sexism that is so latent in their country.

The forefront of the Sudanese revolution. Hind Mekki. CC BY 2.0.

Located in the northeast corner of Africa, Sudan gained its independence in 1956 from British and Egyptian rule. The young country has struggled internally ever since, with a multitude of political and religious divisions between the south and the north which broke out into multiple civil wars. South Sudan formed as the newest nation in the world in 2011, as a result of a majority vote for independence in a referendum created by the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Present-day Sudan is majority Muslim, while South Sudan is mostly Christian.

Amid the turmoil which defined Sudan’s geopolitics rose Omar al-Bashir, the last president who was known for his cruel dictatorship, human rights violations and war crimes. Bashir came to power in 1989, overthrowing Prime Minister Sadiq al-Mahdi through a nonviolent coup. His autocratic reign at first introduced Sharia, or Islamic law, thus creating more tensions between the Islamic north and the Christian south. Under Sharia, floggings for adultery and drinking alcohol were commonplace. Through the strict interpretation of Islamic law, women and girls were made victims of political persecution, violence, and genital mutilation. Bashir’s laws were indifferent toward cases of domestic violence against women, child marriage and marital rape. Sudan’s Article 152 of the penal code validated the flogging and imprisonment of women for what they wore.

Sudanese protesters gathered in December 2018 to confront President Omar al-Bashir’s strict measures for economic relief. Bashir made cuts to bread and fuel subsidies, which exacerbated the dissent which was already festering among citizens. Although the movement was initially made up primarily of men, women soon became the driving force behind the revolution. Women made up about 70% of the protesters and were targeted for gender-based and political violence, including battery and rape, by Sudan’s security forces.

The success of the coup took the media by storm, but there remained sexist overtones within the movement itself. The Sudanese Professionals Association, which has been organizing resistance against Bashir’s dictatorship throughout all three decades, suggested that female protesters come gather on the streets to clean on a day which was scheduled for a protest. This devalued the women who were fighting alongside men against Bashir’s regime, making them feel dismissed as mere cleaners instead of as members of the uprising itself. This led to a more pressing concern for women’s rights in Sudan, which have been shot down for decades.

Taken by me@lana_hago #8aprile pic.twitter.com/o7pDUsQg84
— Lana H. Haroun (@lana_hago) April 8, 2019

A photo of a Sudanese woman, clad in white and towering over the crowds on top of a car, became the icon of the movement itself. Her defiance and resilience moved millions of onlookers around the world, and she became dubbed as “Kandaka,” which refers to the Nubian queens of the Kush kingdom who reigned in Sudan centuries ago. This apparition of gender equality left female protesters disgruntled, as it was sorely evident that women were still oppressed by the patriarchal society in Sudan.

After the coup, Alaa Salah, the celebrated icon herself, told Time magazine that the Sudanese government still limits the role of women in the legislature. Salah is pushing for 50% female representation in Sudan’s parliament, and works alongside women’s rights activists to change the restrictions placed on women. The public law, which tormented women in Sudan for their behavior and their ways of dressing, was finally repealed in November 2019. Although Sudan’s systemic violence against women is entrenched in its society, women’s rights activists remain optimistic about the progress already seen since the ousting of Omar al-Bashir.

How Sudan’s Protesters Upped the Ante, and Forced Al-Bashir from Power

Fighting Back with Fakes: Decoy Turtle Eggs Combat Poaching in Costa Rica

January 5, 2021

Combating turtle poachers has often seemed like a hopeless task where innocent hatchlings always tend to lose. However, scientists in Costa Rica are beating poachers through the implantation of decoy eggs.

Olive ridley turtle hatchling. Roehan Rengadurai. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

When one thinks of a turtle’s life, it is often the image of an aged green sea turtle gliding gracefully over magnificently colorful coral reefs. Conversely, it could also be an injured turtle succumbing to increasing plastic pollution as it struggles to escape the rings of a beer can. What is often overlooked are the turtles that never even break into the daylight; millions of turtle eggs are stolen by malicious poachers who sell them to under-the-table buyers.

Costa Rica stands as a prime example of a place where turtle egg poachers are abundantly transporting stolen eggs to urban areas.

Turtle eggs are somewhat of a delicacy in Costa Rica, where they are served in a variety of ways. For instance, they are mixed with beer, served raw, or hard-boiled. Prices of the eggs vary widely, with some costing $5 apiece while others can set one back around $20.

Poachers stealthily scavenge beaches known to house turtle egg nests, which primarily belong to the threatened olive ridley and endangered green sea turtle species. Scientists now realize that effectively tracking poaching activity may require an innovative but rather odd approach.

The decoy eggs, called InvestEGGators, are formed using a 3D printer and are made out of silicone. They are around the size of a pingpong ball and look nearly identical to real turtle eggs. The white balls are also slightly painted with a textured paint to mimic the varied hues of an egg. Inside, there is a small black block that houses a GPS transmitter. The tracker feeds information about the location of the egg once every hour. The hope is that poachers mistakenly pick up the decoy egg along with real ones, since poachers tend to take whole nests at once.

Scientists have invested in this method because it has more beneficial long-term effects on combating the poaching problem. Instead of catching poachers in the act, researchers say that it is much more effective to track the distance and location that the eggs travel to be sold. From an enforcement point of view, tracking the location of sites where the eggs are sold to buyers allows for more frequent and lasting crackdowns.

In one test, researchers hid 101 decoys in turtle nests, and about 25% of them were transported by poachers. It was discovered that the distance the eggs traveled varied quite a bit; some traveled just over a mile to someone’s home, while others went well over 80 miles to houses in Costa Rica’s Central Valley.

Scientists were previously concerned that planting decoy eggs could possibly harm the other eggs’ ability to hatch, but the other eggs appeared to hatch successfully.

The study has now branched into a larger scope of conservation, with talks that this method can be beneficial in saving other endangered animals.

As stealthy as poachers may get, sometimes one has to beat them at their own game to have a chance at winning. Luckily, a handful of clever scientists have successfully played the poachers.

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Women’s Rights Activist Killed in Afghanistan

January 3, 2021

Freshta Kohistani, a prominent women’s rights activist, was shot dead on Dec. 24, along with her brother. Her death is the latest in a string of assassinations of Afghan political activists and journalists.

Instagram photo of Freshta Kohistani from Nov. 30. Fresta.kohistani.

Afghan women's rights activist and former provincial council member Freshta Kohistani and her brother were shot and killed by unknown gunmen on motorbikes on Dec. 24, in their hometown in the Kohistan district of Kapisa province. Kohistani was 29 and a well-known activist. She used social media to raise awareness of violence against women in Afghanistan, led many protests advocating for women’s rights, and campaigned for Abdullah Abdullah in the 2019 presidential election.

The shooting of Kohistani and her brother was not an isolated incident. A number of prominent Afghan activists have been targeted in recent weeks. Kohistani’s death came just a day after the murder of pro-democracy advocate Mohammad Yousuf Rasheed, who led an independent election monitoring organization, in a shooting in Kabul. The day before Rasheed’s death, the head of the Ghazni Journalists’ Union was shot by assailants on motorbikes. On Dec. 20, a member of parliament was targeted by a car bomb. No group has claimed credit for any of the attacks thus far.

Prior to her death, Kohistani was vocal in her criticism of the assassination of journalists and political activists in Afghanistan. In November, she tweeted: “Afghanistan is not a place to live in. There is no hope for peace. Tell the tailor to take your measurement [for a funeral shroud], tomorrow it could be your turn.” Kohistani revealed that she had received threats and had asked for protection from the authorities, and on Dec. 11, not long before her assassination, Kohistani posted on Facebook asking officials to take her pleas for protection seriously.

The recent assassinations in Afghanistan come amid peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, which have been going on for over three months. Abdullah, who Kohistani campaigned for when he served as the chief executive of Afghanistan, now heads the High Council for National Reconciliation, a key body in the current peace negotiations with the Taliban. In early December, the peace talks were suspended until January, and there is worry that the talks will be suspended further after the recent string of assassinations by unknown assailants.

Following Kohistani’s death, Abdullah spoke out against the assassination of political activists in a Facebook post, writing that “the continuation of such asssassinations is unacceptable.” In the same post, he described Kohistani as “brave and fearless” for her work as a political and women’s rights activist.

On Georgetown University’s Women, Peace and Security Index, which ranks 167 countries on women’s equality based on data about women’s well-being and empowerment, Afghanistan ranks 166, with only Syria being a worse country for women. The country has also become increasingly dangerous for journalists, with at least five journalists having been killed since August.

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Nordic and Celtic Traditions in Scotland’s Shetland Islands

December 30, 2020

*Shetland ponies in a field on one of the Shetland Islands. Infinite Ache. CC BY-NC 2.0.*

Located 110 miles northeast of the Scottish mainland are the Shetland Islands, a sub-Arctic archipelago in the north Atlantic Ocean. The islands, with a population of 22,920 centered around the town of Lerwick, are home to one of the most unique cultures in the British Isles, with the islands’ residents maintaining a blend of Nordic and Celtic influences.

While travel to the archipelago is largely limited due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, following the global crisis, any traveler looking to take the road less traveled will find joy in visiting the Shetland Islands. Given the region’s rich history, diverse local culture and beautiful wildlife, the farthest north region of Scotland should not be overlooked when planning future adventures abroad.

A History of Nordic and Celtic Tradition

*A parade through Lerwick during Up Helly Aa, an annual Shetland fire festival which pays tribute to the archipelago’s Viking origins. Vicky Brock. CC BY-SA 2.0.*

While humans have inhabited the Shetland Islands since at least 2700 B.C., with evidence to suggest that the Romans knew about the archipelago during the height of their empire, modern Shetland culture began at the end of the 9th century A.D. with the colonization of the archipelago and the nearby Orkney Islands by Vikings from Scandinavia.

The Shetland Islands would remain under Norse rule for around 600 years, during which the islands’ population Christianized and gained a grounding for the region’s culture that is still seen to this day. For instance, remnants of Norn, the predominant language of the time but one that is now extinct, has influenced the Shetland dialect spoken in the region. Likewise, festivals such as Up Helly Aa, an annual midwinter fire festival which honors pagan and Christian traditions, can trace their roots back directly to Viking colonialism.

Following several centuries of conflict and growing Scottish influence in the region, sovereignty over the archipelago was sold to Scotland in 1468. This transfer of power, which lasted until 1707 when Scotland and England joined together under the name Great Britain, saw the adoption of more Celtic customs, as well as increased trade with the rest of Europe. The introduction of folk music, the cuisine of the region, and the English language can trace their origins back to this time period.

Into the contemporary era, the Nordic and Celtic cultures and heritage have blended together. This is represented in the aforementioned festivals and language of the region, as well as in the archipelago’s civil parish names, which feature both Old Norse and Celtic origins.

Visiting the Shetland Islands

*Lerwick, the Shetland Islands’ largest settlement and only town. Balou46. CC BY-SA 4.0.*

Given how remote the Shetland Islands are in comparison to the rest of Scotland, visitors to the islands can either arrive via a 12-hour overnight boat ride from Aberdeen, or by plane from one of six cities in Scotland or from Bergen, Norway.

Once on the archipelago, visitors have a number of experiences to partake in. Lerwick is home to a number of festivals throughout the year, including the Shetland Folk Festival, the Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival, and the largest celebration of Up Helly Aa. Likewise, the town is home to the Shetland Museum and Archives, which is dedicated to documenting the unique history and traditions of the region.

Venturing away from Lerwick, travelers can take in the untouched nature of the islands in one of three national nature reserves, the most popular being the Hermaness National Nature Reserve, a seabird colony on the island of Unst. For those more interested in the island’s oceanic location, Lonely Planet recommends kayaking, sailing and surfing for those who can brave the frigid waters of the north Atlantic.

For a taste of the local cuisine, the archipelago offers a number of highly recommended restaurants. Steamed lemon sole from The Dowry, reestit mutton soup from Peerie Shop Cafe, and saucermeat, a spiced breakfast sausage, from Fjara Cafe Bar, are all favorites among travelers and locals alike.

The Shetland Islands represent the best of what Scotland as a whole has to offer. The archipelago’s rich history, unique culture and variety of experiences offer something for everyone to enjoy. Following the pandemic, a visit to the Shetland Islands is a must for any world traveler.

VIDEO: Ancient Scotland

Jacob is a recent graduate from the University of California, San Diego. Previously, he worked for The UCSD Guardian, serving both as News Editor and a columnist. In addition to his work at Catalyst, he writes the online column, PC Princess, and centers his writing around social justice issues.

Feline Fun: Japan’s Cat Culture and ‘Cat Islands’

December 30, 2020

It is always a pleasure to watch a cat prancing through the neighborhood or a skittish kitten darting for the bushes. But one country, Japan, has completely dissolved the line dividing feline and human interaction.

Cat cafe in Japan. nyxie. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Most people, if asked to name something from Japanese pop culture, would name the “Hello Kitty” cat cartoon as one of their top answers. As popular as the character has been with children across the world, a bustling cat scene exists within Japan itself entirely separate from Hello Kitty.

Japan’s residents hold a lengthy history of interaction with their feline friends. Cats were originally an invasive species introduced to Japan around 500 A.D. The creatures soon proved their worth by managing the islands’ rat population; the silkworm industry was being devastated by pesky rats, so the nation’s cats jumped into action. Over 1,000 years ago, wealthy members of Japanese society owned cats as pets. Evidence of cats in Japanese history can be found in literary works and paintings, many of which are hundreds of years old. The country’s oral history also contains many tales of worship for the cherished creatures.

Beyond being pets, cats in Japanese culture are an integral part of social interaction. “Cat cafes” have recently blossomed in Japan’s cat culture, allowing owners to mingle while their beloved friends wander among other felines.

While a stray cat is a common sight on any island of Japan, about a dozen islands have been dubbed the “Cat Islands” for their particularly dense population of felines. Two of the most popular are the islands of Aoshima and Enoshima:

Aoshima Island

Aoshima Island, located in southern Japan, boasts a human to cat ratio of 1-8. Cats were originally brought to the island to manage the rat population, but now they enjoy flashy media attention as internet sensations. The cats have become increasingly popular with visitors seeing viral videos, so an interactive feeding area has been installed. The cats have now become accustomed to interaction with strangers and will gladly show affection for a bit of food.

Enoshima Island

Enoshima Island is a small island just over an hour south of Tokyo. The island’s human population is minuscule compared to the population of cats; there are only about 100 human residents among over 600 cats. The island draws many visitors for its Shinto shrines, which represent a religion that does not believe in the killing of cats. The island also houses a busy fishing industry, which has proven to provide plenty of nourishment for furry residents. Thus, the island’s cat population has bloomed.

Japan’s feline friends have embedded themselves in the nation’s history and culture, and their lofty position in society appears to be secure.

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Khoomei: Mongolian Throat Singing As Art and Action

December 30, 2020

Khoomei, otherwise known as Mongolian throat singing, enjoys a wide international audience thanks to inventive local artists looking for ways to share and save their culture.

Mongolian throat singers holding a horsehead fiddle. Alan Fieldus. CC BY-NC 2.0.

Across the steppes of Central Asia, the almost eerie but melodic droning of “khoomei” still echoes. Khoomei, more commonly known as throat singing, is the practice in which a singer can produce two or more notes simultaneously. By utilizing the jaw and larynx, as well as precise lip movements, the singer can produce unique harmonies using only their body.

Khoomei, which translates to “throat” in Mongolian, has origins with the Tuva people, an Indigenous group found in parts of Siberia, Mongolia and China. A 1999 Scientific American article traced back both the techniques of khoomei and its rich history. According to Tuvan legends, throat singing was the first way humans learned to sing. Throat singing was also designed to mimic the natural sounds of the surrounding wind and water. Coupled with their animistic beliefs, the Tuvan people believed that throat singing also served a spiritual purpose. Khoomei eventually proliferated and evolved among the Turko-Mongol tribes.

During the first half of the 20th century, however, throat singing was restricted. Communist governments considered the art as “backward” due to its heavy ritual and ethnic legacies. It was not until the 1980s that throat singing was restored to its former glory and preserved as a national art form. In 2010, UNESCO inscribed khoomei on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This honor was conferred to officially acknowledge the unique oral histories and philosophies that khoomei harbors. Despite its difficult history and almost seemingly jubilant ascent, khoomei and its singers are still under threat.

Mongolia’s wide-open steppes made it the ideal sound room for practicing and perfecting khoomei. Vince Gx. Unsplash.

Mongolia is a country that is landlocked between two geopolitical giants, China and Russia. The government has feared that both countries’ economic and diplomatic influences will overwhelm its own affairs. In 2010, Mongolian throat singers sought to defend the tradition against China. UNESCO mistakenly listed China as the sole country of throat singers, a misprint that angered the Mongolian community.

In 2013, China announced its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, a plan meant to enhance infrastructure connectivity and deepen financial cooperation, among several other aims. While China poured billions of dollars into creating trade routes and industries, the Mongolian people remain unappeased.

With these economic gains also came renewed cultural conflicts. When visiting the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar this past September, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was greeted by protesters who accused Beijing of suppressing the Mongolian language in China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region. The former Mongolian president Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj condemned the Chinese government’s policy that replaced Mongolian with Mandarin in school curriculums. Elbegdorj condemned the action as “cultural genocide” and urged Mongolians to persist in preserving their culture at home and abroad. A part of this resistance also includes using khoomei as a way to reclaim and reassert identity.

Enter The HU. Through music, this heavy metal band uses its Mongolian roots as a way to share the country’s culture with the world. Its most popular pieces, “Wolf Totem” and “Yuve Yuve Yu,” have garnered nearly 111 million YouTube views combined. The HU has charted millions of listeners on Spotify and even covered songs for the video game, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. In an interview, The HU shared that its music stays true to form, mimicking natural sounds in certain tracks. The members hope that they can continue to be cultural ambassadors for their country and its culture. In 2019, The HU was honored with the Order of Genghis Khan, a presidential award recognizing special merits to society.

While music may not solve political conflicts, its influence and reach has given many Mongolians something to be proud of. Khoomei especially has proven to be both a restricted and a revolutionary form of art. As this contested expression continues to endure and flourish, it is clear that the people need their music as much as a song requires a voice.

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7 Virtual Trips to Take in 2021

December 29, 2020

Getting restless at home? Check out these 7 free virtual tours. 2021 is the perfect time to travel like never before, getting up and personal with animals on African safari, climbing Mt. Everest, hiking the Inca Trail and more